
“In order to provide the best education possible, our Administration of Justice (AJ) program is constantly modified and updated based on industry standards and best practices,” shares Sierra College department chair Nick Willick. “One way we stay up to date is by hiring qualified instructors with real world experience who are also skilled in teaching.”
Q & A with Adam McGill, Truckee Chief of Police
McGill holds a Master of Science in Emergency Services Administration from California State University-Long Beach and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration from the University of Phoenix where he later taught in the undergraduate and graduate criminal justice programs.
Q: What do you hope students take away from your class?
The intro class is always exciting. Usually it is students’ first exposure to the criminal justice system and related careers. The course offers a 30,000 feet view of this comprehensive and complicated system. Students can find out “Is this where I want to take myself and my career” and make more informed decision about what they want to do. Some students may not want to pursue this career and that is OK, too. We want people to have a career they enjoy.
Q: You’ve been described as an energetic and passionate educator. Describe your teaching philosophy or approach.
I offer real insights from the field, and this enhances the learning experience for students who appreciate hearing about real world experience. There is a lot of two-way communication. Students like an instructor who is engaged daily in the subject matter. Since I’ll be teaching a night class, I’ll be able to reference things that happened three hours earlier.
Q: Who should take your class?
Anyone interested in gaining insights on the criminal justice system and considering a career in administration of justice.
Q: What else would you like to add?
I’m excited about the chance to interact with students and bring clarity to any issues. This is a great opportunity for the Police Department and Town to partner with Sierra College. It’s another example of working together and an opportunity to hear students’ perspective on law enforcement.
In addition to the intro class, the AJ program is strengthened by instructors Jeff Granum and Michael Fox who bring a wealth of real world experiences into the classroom. “Police Field Operations” will be offered for credit during the spring semester. Students who enroll in this Tuesday evening class will learn about the history and development of patrol philosophy, field activities including patrol, complaints, requests for services, searches, arrests and other community and criminal incidents.
Academic Enrichment (AE)
Nearly one hundred ninth through 12th grade students take advantage of Sierra College’s Academic Enrichment program to experience college-level courses while they are in high school. The AE program admits high school students from the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District for just one-dollar per credit hour (the majority of classes are three credit hours).
IN THE KNOW
Sierra College, Tahoe-Truckee
Spring semester: January 28 to May 25, 2013
Registration begins Dec. 10, 2012
Application deadline: Jan. 5
Offerings include 64 classes for credit: arts, core academics, humanities, career and technical education, personal development and social sciences. Dozens of classes are recognized by CSU, UC and UNR. Enrollment is open to current high school students (9-12 grade) and adults.
Cost: $46 / unit (plus a $30 parking permit)
For more information, call (530) 550-2220 or visit 11001 College Trail in Truckee or sierracollege.edu.